Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Orphan's Tale in Books
Dec 13, 2018 (Updated Dec 13, 2018)
The two main characters in this book, Noa and Astrid are two women brought together through the rough and barren circumstances of war. They develop that kind of bond that feels like sisterhood. The main story centralises around a circus, such a contrast to war and occupation but this wasn't a joyful, fun life. These two aerialists, learner and mentor, continued in this world just to survive. There was a wonderful cast of characters both in the circus and also along their travels; the character development was superb.
This book provoked such emotion, making the reader really feel the desperation, attachments and loss and hope in 1940s war time Europe. This story was not neatly tied up to make the reader satisfied. Any discomfort or sadness I felt was necessary and right. I don't want to feel my emotions smoothed over for a more comfortable experience, I want to vicariously feel the experiences of these characters cast from real history....and I did.
Pam Jenoff has excelled in her writing, concept, story and character development. This is her best work yet.
Truevine: An Extraordinary True Story of Two Brothers and a Mother's Love
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The year was 1899, as the old people told the story; the place a sweltering tobacco farm in...
ClareR (6215 KP) rated Circus of Wonders in Books
Mar 15, 2022
Elizabeth Macneal has described what it is like to be on the margins of society - an outcast because you don’t look the same as everyone else. Nell lives in a time where you are shunned for having birthmarks such as hers. She is considered to be bad luck, a curse. Not helped by the fact that her mother had died in childbirth. Her father constantly reinforces this, and won’t even touch her. Nell’s beloved brother is her sole comfort. He cares for her, and promises to take her with him when he marries.
But Nell’s father sells her to Jasper Jupiters Circus of Wonders. Jasper is a man who is hellbent on being a success, and thinks nothing of using Nell and others like her, to achieve greatness. Jasper and his brother Toby, are both survivors of the Crimean war, and clearly carry many secrets.
Themes such as exploitation, ownership, differences, power, sibling love, secrets, love and loss are central to this book.
Nell is a constant surprise. She goes from being a scared, vulnerable girl, to becoming the centre of attention, in control of all those who come to watch her. This is the other side to the P. T. Barnum story. We’ve probably all heard of ‘The Greatest Showman’, but there’s the other exploitative side that seems to have been brushed under the carpet. This book shows that side.
I loved this book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell you all to go out and buy it!
BethZ (6 KP) rated The Orphan's Tale in Books
Dec 25, 2017
It is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship, and loyalty set in a time when life was dangerous and difficult.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Promise of Fire in Books
Jan 1, 2020
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
Nichole Knight (6 KP) rated Animal Circus in Books
Jan 25, 2020
Even though the cover is bright, quirky, and inviting this book is not for children.
For a short story, it's very depressing from start to finish. I honestly wish there was more to the middle. And, the end left me wanting to know more, though it was a twist that I was not expecting!
For a short to the point story it's worth the time in reading.
((I won an ebook copy in a giveaway on Goodreads.com and this is my honest opinion.))
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